Dynavox® Boiling System for raw corkwood processing

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The centerpiece of M. A. Silva’s processing facility within the Monado region is the Dynavox® boiling system. This process dramatically improves the neutrality and purity of the raw corkwood. Known as M. A. Silva 3, the plant was built in 2004 and designed specifically for the sterile treatment and handling of corkwood.

The system utilizes a closed chamber to boil cork planks under high pressure. The pressure allows M. A. Silva to increase the cleaning solution temperature to maximize its effectiveness while maintaining the stability of the corkwood. Compared to open tank methods, the increased pressure and temperature makes the corkwood more permeable, thereby increasing the ability of the hot solution to vaporize and remove 2,4,6-Trichloroanisole (TCA), polyphenols including phenylpropanoids and tannins, plus other compounds.

Within the closed system, the sensors constantly monitor the process. After the cleaning solution circulates through the corkwood slabs, it passes within a degasification tower where pressure differentials evacuate TCA and other volatile compounds. High efficiency filtration then separates solids. These steps eliminate cross contamination. Quality control checks verify the clarity of the solution, signaling when it must be refreshed. Monitoring, filtering and recycling save a significant amount of fresh water, heating energy and wastewater.

Benefits of Dynavox® Processing


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  • Increased TCA extraction – Dynavox® boiling is done under pressure at 105°C to thoroughly penetrate the cork structure and volatilize TCA.
  • TCA constantly removed during boiling – The vapor containing TCA is removed by degasification throughout the boiling process cycle.
  • Shorter, safer post-boiling stabilization – Cork planks have approximately 17% humidity after the boiling process, allowing stabilization to take place over two days. Traditional methods required two weeks for stabilization, giving greater risk of microbial contamination.
  • Continuous monitoring and filtration – The Dynavox® system features in-line monitoring of tannins through pH readings, and filters all water through 100 micron filters to eliminate travel of large particles.